Ian Baker

I grew up in the mountains west of Fort Collins, CO, and have been a Research Associate for the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University since 1999. I study the exchange of energy, moisture, momentum and trace gases (such as CO2) between the land and atmosphere. These exchanges are important for weather, but are especially critical to our understanding and predictions of climate. We believe that an understanding of the present is crucial to accurate predictions of the future. We use surface and satellite observations along with computer models in our research.

I received my Ph.D. in Ecology from Colorado State University in 2011. As an undergraduate, I studied meteorology at the University of Northern Colorado, and later got an M.S. in Atmospheric Science (cloud microphysics) with Professor Lew Grant at CSU.

I played on the Fort Collins Soccer Club’s first travel team (Arsenal), in 1977. After 35+ years of playing and coaching soccer, my knees, ankles, hips (and a few too many concussions) told me it was time to emphasize more leisurely pursuits such as skiing, camping, and hiking. Leaving Colorado’s 14ers to the type-A crowd, I am currently on a quest to climb every peak in the Mummy Range.